Former F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has claimed Ferrari display the highest level of sportsmanship currently in Formula One.

The British business magnate made the claims following last weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, which saw two Ferrari's finish on the podium behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

In the closing stages of the race, many expected Kimi Raikkonen to be forced to yield to team orders and allow teammate Sebastian Vettel to pass him and take the runner-up spot in order to boost the German's championship points tally.

No such team order was ever made, however, and Ferrari avoided the controversy that would have followed, similar to that of which they'd experienced in 2002 when Scuderia boss Jean Todt infamously ordered Rubens Barrichello to let Michael Schumacher pass for the championship.

"Everyone can take an example from Ferrari's sportsmanship," Ecclestone told Sport Bild.

"It would have been easy to wave Vettel past shortly before the end, but Ferrari didn't.

"So they kept up not only sporting fairness, but also Kimi's morale."

Ecclestone shared his delight at Ferrari and Vettel's new found form.

"Ferrari has finally made the step I was waiting for for so long," said the 87-year-old.

"Sebastian really deserves the title. Hopefully it doesn't hurt him that Ferrari gave up those three points."

Mercedes' Toto Wolff echoed Ecclestone's view, applauding Ferrari for their fair and clean attitude.

"We wouldn't have and I'm not surprised that they didn't," said Wolff.

"I think for the sake of the sport and the fans and the drivers, at that stage in the season, the beginning of July, switching drivers is quite a brutal call."

Ferrari's push for the World Championship continues this weekend at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Lewis Hamilton will be looking for yet more success at his home Grand Prix, especially after a race to forget in Austria.